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Behavioral Sciences
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Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships
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Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 16018

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nathan Miczo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Communication, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, USA.
Interests: humor; memorable messages; interpersonal aspects of health and illness; supportive communication
Prof. Dr. John Meyer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Communication Studies, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.
Interests: organizational communication; humor in communication

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Humor contributes much to the quality of our interpersonal relationships. It has, accordingly, been studied in relation to such phenomena as attraction, persuasion, coping, and support. Nevertheless, humor research in the area of interpersonal communication has frequently lacked a strong theoretical underpinning. In terms of message production, expression, and reception, however, humorous messages ought to have properties in common with other message forms (e.g., self-disclosure, supportive communication). Therefore, humor should be amenable to examination from existent theories of interpersonal communication. For example, humor likely plays a role in such areas as managing identity gaps, the revelation of information about the self, relationship uncertainty, appraisals, and the manner in which relationships develop. The goal of this Special Issue is to bring together research on the use of various kinds of humorous messages and theories of interpersonal processes in order to shed light on both phenomena.

Prof. Dr. Nathan Miczo
Prof. Dr. John Meyer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • humor
  • interpersonal communication
  • relational humor
  • humor functions
  • teasing
  • embarrassment and humor
  • empathetic humor
  • alienation and humor

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 794 KiB  
Article
How Do the Different Humor Styles of Streamers Affect Consumer Repurchase Intentions?
by Guangming Li and Yuan Xia
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040544 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 294
Abstract
With the rapid development of e-commerce live streaming, streamers play a crucial role in consumers’ shopping experience and decision-making. In this context, humor has gradually attracted widespread attention in the field of marketing as a communication strategy to enhance interaction between streamers and [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of e-commerce live streaming, streamers play a crucial role in consumers’ shopping experience and decision-making. In this context, humor has gradually attracted widespread attention in the field of marketing as a communication strategy to enhance interaction between streamers and consumers. According to social exchange theory, this study specifically explores the differing impacts of e-commerce streamers’ humor styles on relationship quality, as well as the positive effect of relationship quality on consumers’ repurchase intention. Data were collected via an online survey with 519 valid responses, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS. The results reveal that affiliative humor significantly enhances consumers’ trust (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), which positively affects satisfaction and commitment, ultimately increasing repurchase intention. In contrast, aggressive humor undermines trust (β = −0.63, p < 0.001), leading to lower repurchase intention. This study provides theoretical support for e-commerce streamers to enhance consumers’ repurchase intentions by increasing the use of affiliative humor and reducing the use of aggressive humor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
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17 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
Choosing One’s Words: Conversational Indirectness and Humor Style in Two Distinct Cultural Groups
by Tanisha Y. Berrios, Dun-Ya Hu and Jyotsna Vaid
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030252 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 816
Abstract
We investigated cultural differences in the relationship between conversational indirectness and styles of humor use. Our study compared responses of English first language (L1) users (n = 56) and Korean first language users studying in the US (n = 32) on [...] Read more.
We investigated cultural differences in the relationship between conversational indirectness and styles of humor use. Our study compared responses of English first language (L1) users (n = 56) and Korean first language users studying in the US (n = 32) on the conversational indirectness scale) and the humor styles questionnaire. We found no overall group differences in conversational indirectness. Instead, higher indirectness for interpretation than for production was noted, but only in the English L1 group. This group also showed a positive correlation between interpretation and production scores; no such association was found in the Korean sample. On the humor style measure, scores for affiliative and self-enhancing humor were significantly higher in the English L1 group compared to the Korean group; the English L1 group also showed a positive correlation between these two dimensions, and between self-enhancing and self-defeating humor. Both groups showed low identification with self-defeating and aggressive humor styles. There was a significant positive correlation in the Korean group between these two styles. Finally, an association between conversational indirectness and humor style was noted in each group: in both groups, a significant positive correlation was found between indirectness in production and aggressive humor. Additionally, for the English L1 group a significant positive correlation was found between self-defeating humor and indirectness in production and interpretation. These findings demonstrate cultural differences in humor uses and an intriguing relationship between the tendency to produce linguistic meanings indirectly and uses of humor considered to be less positive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
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17 pages, 1082 KiB  
Article
Why Be Funny: The Influence of Social Norms on the Communicative Functions of Humor
by Nathan Miczo and John C. Meyer
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010015 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1510
Abstract
Humor is a valued social activity and, as such, should be influenced by social norms. This investigation examined the relationships between the functions of humor and the theory of normative social behavior. Descriptive norms are the foundation of TNSB. However, the theory argues [...] Read more.
Humor is a valued social activity and, as such, should be influenced by social norms. This investigation examined the relationships between the functions of humor and the theory of normative social behavior. Descriptive norms are the foundation of TNSB. However, the theory argues that those norms are influenced by a set of moderators that can strengthen or attenuate proposed relationships. One hundred and sixty-three college students completed measures of TNSB variables (descriptive norms, injunctive norms, outcome expectation, group identification, and reward) as well as Ramsey and Meyer’s functions of humor scale (identification, clarification, enforcement, and differentiation). Though descriptive norms significantly correlated with all four humor functions, in regression analyses, no significant associations emerged. On the other hand, injunctive norms consistently predicted humor functions. In moderation analyses, the interaction between descriptive norms and reward was significant for all four functions of humor. The discussion highlights the role that normative mechanisms play in shaping the ways people use humor in their everyday lives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
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12 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Sanity through Insanity: The Use of Dark Humor among United States Veterans
by Stephen M. Yoshimura, Gregory Bilbrey, Stevi A. Johns, Kristin Hall and Nathan Moore
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080679 - 5 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3198
Abstract
Humor is generally known to effectively help individuals manage distress. Yet a variety of ways exist to engage in humor, and not all of them may be equally associated with desirable outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to [...] Read more.
Humor is generally known to effectively help individuals manage distress. Yet a variety of ways exist to engage in humor, and not all of them may be equally associated with desirable outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which dark humor is associated with the subjective well-being of United States military veterans. An online survey was announced on several social media pages populated by US veterans, to which 93 fully responded. Our findings indicate that the use of dark humor does not appear to be associated with a sense of connectedness, but the reported use of self-defeating types of dark humor was associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. Our hypothesis that increased feelings of connectedness to civilian and veteran/active-duty friends would predict increased reports of overall subjective well-being was supported. The implications of these findings for understanding the functions of dark humor are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
15 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Do Dark Humour Users Have Dark Tendencies? Relationships between Dark Humour, the Dark Tetrad, and Online Trolling
by Sophie Voisey and Sonja Heintz
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060493 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 3682
Abstract
Humour and antisocial behaviour on the internet are under-researched. Online spaces have opened a gateway for new ways to express unrestrained humour (e.g., dark humour) and ways to behave antisocially (e.g., online trolling). The tendencies and motivations of those engaging with such humour [...] Read more.
Humour and antisocial behaviour on the internet are under-researched. Online spaces have opened a gateway for new ways to express unrestrained humour (e.g., dark humour) and ways to behave antisocially (e.g., online trolling). The tendencies and motivations of those engaging with such humour and behaviour are yet to be clearly established and understood. The present study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the interplay between dark humour, online trolling, and dark personality traits. Participants (N = 160) completed an online survey consisting of trait scales to assess the Dark Tetrad, dark humour, and online trolling, as well as two online trolling tasks (enjoyment and ability) and two dark humour meme tasks (enjoyment and ability). The results confirmed relationships between the Dark Tetrad and the dark humour trait, and several Dark Tetrad traits were related to the enjoyment of and ability to produce dark humour. Furthermore, dark humour and online trolling were closely related. The findings also revealed that online trolls did not enjoy being trolled but did enjoy trolling, and this ability to troll is underpinned by sadism. These findings illustrate the potential dark psychological motivations for using dark humour, demonstrate that online trolling is infused with darker forms of humour, and provide deeper insights into online trolls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
10 pages, 233 KiB  
Article
Jesters of Well-Being: Examining the Relationship between Clown Doctors and Patients
by Alberto Dionigi, Alessandra Fermani and Carla Canestrari
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050398 - 10 May 2024
Viewed by 1997
Abstract
Clown doctors play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of patients through the use of humor. However, little is known about how the use of humor by clown doctors changes in relation to the developmental age of patients. This research explores the [...] Read more.
Clown doctors play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of patients through the use of humor. However, little is known about how the use of humor by clown doctors changes in relation to the developmental age of patients. This research explores the interplay between the type of humor used by clown doctors, their experience (in terms of years of clowning and type of clowning), and the developmental age of the patients (children, adolescents, adults, elderly). Data for this cross-sectional study were collected through an online survey distributed to 210 Italian clown doctors (143 females, 67 males), aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 47.34, SD = 12.31), affiliated with different Clown Care Units. The survey included the Comic Styles Markers, questions on the patients’ developmental age, type of clowning (Auguste vs. Whiteface), and years of experience. The findings enhance our understanding on how clown doctors interact with patients of different developmental ages. The discussion draws connections to previous studies conducted on groups of clown doctors, providing a broader context for understanding the implications of humorous interactions in this unique healthcare domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
18 pages, 903 KiB  
Article
Energizing Workplace Dynamics: Exploring the Nexus of Relational Energy, Humor, and PsyCap for Enhanced Engagement and Performance
by Medina Braha and Ahu Tuğba Karabulut
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14010023 - 27 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3292
Abstract
This study delves into the dynamics of relational energy (RE) within an organizational context, examining some of its antecedents and decedents. Specifically, it investigates the influence of psychological capital (PsyCap) and humor on RE, and, subsequently, the latter’s impact on job performance (JB) [...] Read more.
This study delves into the dynamics of relational energy (RE) within an organizational context, examining some of its antecedents and decedents. Specifically, it investigates the influence of psychological capital (PsyCap) and humor on RE, and, subsequently, the latter’s impact on job performance (JB) mediated by job engagement (JE). A research model based on structural equation modeling carried out with 481 employees in private service industries demonstrates several key relationships. It reveals that both PsyCap and affiliative humor positively affect RE, while aggressive humor exerts a negative influence. Furthermore, RE shows a positive association with JE and JP, with JE serving as a mediator. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to present an integrated model encompassing this exact combination of influencers and consequences of RE, as well as the first to be investigated within the Western Balkans cultural context. Therefore, it represents a novel approach. Additionally, the research addresses crucial questions regarding the existence and strategic significance of RE within organizational interactions. The findings offer valuable insights for organizations seeking to enhance employee engagement, performance, and wellbeing—even during health crises such as COVID-19—by fostering RE. This study advances the understanding of RE in organizational settings and provides a foundation for future research in this domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)
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